What is the IPCC's role?
The Independent Police Complaints Commission’s (IPCC) main role is to increase public confidence in the police complaints system in England and Wales.
The IPCC oversees the police complaints system and sets the standards by which the police should handle complaints. It is independent, making its decisions entirely independently of the police, government and complainants. The IPCC considers appeals from people who are not satisfied with the way the police force has dealt with their complaint.
Each police force has a Professional Standards Department (PSD) which is responsible for considering complaints and conduct matters involving police officers and police staff within their force. The majority of complaints received by the IPCC are passed to the PSD for them to resolve.
In addition, police forces must refer the most serious cases to the IPCC and, where the public interest requires it, the IPCC may decide to investigate, manage or supervise a police investigation.
The IPCC is also responsible for the way serious complaints and conduct matters are handled against staff working for the:
Your complaint
Can I make a complaint?
What can I complain about?
What Standards of Professional Behaviour guide the police?
How to make a complaint
What to expect when making a complaint
Ways to make your complaint
What should I include in my complaint?
Make your complaint online Downloadable complaint form
Appealing to the IPCC
You may have the right to appeal to the IPCC if you are unhappy with the way the police have dealt with your complaint or you disagree with the decisions made.
FAQ's and information leaflets
FAQ's on the complaints process
FAQ's on the appeals process
IPCC information leaflets - including in other formats and languages.
